Too Many Books

There are places where books live, places they are meant to live, and then there are places where books just seem to gather. Like beside the bed or on the couch. Just waiting to be read, waiting for a few hours where reading can be privileged, other jobs cast aside.

Some books are historic relics, great to look at and special to own. Other books are new releases, with their fresh covers with modern designs. Some books are so special that they are republished, brought to life years or even decades or centuries later. They are worth a second look. Some people might re-read them, others take a look for the first time.

Some books are challenging to read. It can be hard to get into the book. Hard to get through the chapters. Then there's the decision whether to keep on trying to understand it, to persevere. Is it worth spending time on this book or better to start another, easier, more engaging one? Does it feel like giving up to not finish a book?

When does one have too many books? Libraries are places that store books but even they have sales from time to time to clear out old stock. If we keep buying books we can't keep storing them, just like clothes in our wardrobe. We need to decide whether to keep finding places to store them or whether to let some go. Then the decision about which ones to let go - the oldest? The unread or partly read? And who do we give the books to? Give them away or sell them?

When we think about getting rid of books it can feel disrespectful. Disrespectful to the author, to the publisher and others involved in the writing and development of the book to get it to the point of someone purchasing it. It can help to think that getting rid of a book might be a form of recycling. The book might end up with someone who will love it, will enjoy it more, will really value it.